Contre-nature (Against Nature) by Rachid Ouramdane

Chaillot National Dance Theatre

Until November 17, 2024

No dialogue

Location

Chaillot National Dance Theatre
1 place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre - 75016 Paris
Capacity 390 seats

Duration

1 hour

No intermission


Details

Dance

Recommended for ages 12 and up

No dialogue


HIGHLIGHTS: CONTRE-NATURE BY RACHID OURAMDANE

It's a theatre that few visitors to Paris know about, yet it is located at the most visited spot in Paris. Its entrance is to the left of the Trocadero esplanade, looking up at the aptly named Iron Lady: the Eiffel Tower.
You enter through a heavy wrought-iron glass door. Once through the door, you climb a monumental staircase that leads you to the colonnaded Grand Foyer.

 

Here, prepare your eyes... The most beautiful view of Paris awaits you.

 

The huge glass walls of the Grand Foyer look directly out onto the gardens and fountains of the Trocadéro... and the greatest attraction in Paris: the Eiffel Tower.
The effect is spectacular, especially when the great Iron Lady shines with a thousand lights, filling the Grand Foyer with countless sparkling rays.

 

Chaillot - Théâtre national de la Danse is not only one of the best-located theatres in Paris, but also offers an incredible programme of dance: its purpose is to bring dance to a wide audience for them to discover and appreciate. The greatest French, European and international choreographers present their recent creations here.

 

Don’t miss your chance to see Contre-nature by Rachid Ouramdane at this prestigious venue!

STORY: CONTRE-NATURE BY RACHID OURAMDANE

On the stage of Chaillot - Théâtre National de la Danse, choreographer Rachid Ouramdane ventures into the twists and turns of gravity and weightlessness with his ballet Contre-nature (Against Nature). Ten dancers from the Compagnie de Chaillot perform on a bare stage, sculpted by light and video projections, creating a dreamlike universe in which bodies are freed from earthly constraints.

 

Combining body to body contact and sudden bursts of energy, the dancers explore the limits of what is possible and defy the laws of physics. This quest for weightlessness turns out to be a veritable metaphor for life, an exploration of the fluidity of time and the unalterability of the ties that bind us to those who have left us.

 

Contre-nature by Rachid Ouramdane is an ode to the beauty of movement and an invitation to contemplation. A poignant, poetic piece that is sure to touch you.

 

Let yourself be carried away by the illusory state of weightlessness!

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Chaillot National Dance Theatre

1 place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre - 75016 Paris

History and Fun Facts about Chaillot National Dance Theatre

 

Picture the scene: you’re on the Trocadero esplanade, facing the Eiffel Tower. Two splendid buildings frame your stunning surroundings – the Palais de Chaillot. In the Palais’ left wing is the current Théâtre national de la Danse, which offers two delightful halls including the Salle Jean Vilar, which can hold 1,200 people and is currently being renovated. It will re-open in September 2026. The other, called the Salle Firmin Gémier, seats 390 spectators. The two halls are accessed by an impressive and majestic staircase leading to the colonnaded foyer.

 

At the staircase’s cusp, a splendid surprise. The Grand Foyer boasts enormous glass walls that offer a panoramic view of Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower, as surrounded by the Trocadéro gardens and sublime fountains, not to mention the École Militaire. It’s a truly breathtaking view, the depth of which is rivalled only by that of the building’s long and storied history.

 

The Palais de Chaillot was built on the Chaillot hill for the Universal Exhibition. Originally devoted to the art of dance, it later became a multidisciplinary venue dedicated to hosting theatre, dance, and musical performances. Over the years, a host of renowned artists have performed at the Chaillot. Prestigious dance companies such as the Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris, the Ballet National de Marseille, and the Ballet Preljocaj have all presented their breathtaking creations there. Great names in French theatre such as Jean Vilar, Jean-Louis Barrault, and Ariane Mnouchkine have also left their mark on the history of this prestigious venue.

 

In present day, the Chaillot National Dance Theatre is entirely devoted to the production and performance of dance pieces, and regularly hosts internationally recognised companies. Its diverse programme showcases contemporary and classical works alike, whilst encouraging artistic expression, innovation, and creativity in the same breath. Whether you’re a dance lover or you’re looking to see your very first show, we urge you to visit this theatre for a performance and a view like no other. The highlight of this unique venue is indubitably the gentle glow of the unparalleled Eiffel Tower, which illuminates the Grand Foyer with its warm light. Even Emily in Paris hasn’t had the privilege of enjoying this quintessentially Parisian experience!

 

Fast facts
Capacity: Salle Jean Vilar: 1200 seats / Salle Firmin Gémier: 390 seats.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)
Handicap Accessible: Yes. For wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility, an accessible entrance can be found via the Jardins du Trocadéro: Avenue Albert 1er de Monaco. Those with reduced mobility, are able to descend a few steps, and already have their ticket are invited to enter via the Trocadéro entrance, then take an escalator to reach the halls. If you require the accessibility services, please let us know at hello@theatreinparis.com so that we can inform the theatre staff, who will give you a warm welcome.

FAQ

How do I get to Chaillot National Dance Theatre in the 16th arrondissement of Paris?

The Chaillot National Dance Theatre is accessible by:
Metro: Line 6 (station Trocadéro), ligne 9 (station Trocadéro)
Address: 1 place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris
In case of difficulty, our hotline can be reached during our business hours. Please see the footer of this page for our contact details.

What do I do when I get to Chaillot National Dance Theatre?

We invite you to arrive 30 minutes before the beginning of Contre-nature by Rachid Ouramdane, and present your voucher at the front desk. Chaillot National Dance Theatre’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
In the event of a delay, spectators will be allowed entrance to the theatre but seating in the purchased category is not guaranteed.

How long does the dance show, Contre-nature by Rachid Ouramdane, last?

The dance show Contre-nature by Rachid Ouramdane, at Chaillot National Dance Theatre lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission.

Is Contre-nature by Rachid Ouramdane for an international audience or French speakers?

Both! The Chaillot National Dance Theatre welcomes audiences from all over the world! Dance is a universal language, therefore, the dance piece, Contre-nature by Rachid Ouramdane, is accessible to anyone from any corner of the world.

It says that this show is not recommended for children under 12. What does that mean?

Rachid Ouramdane’s choreography pushes the boundaries of dance and some scenes may be shocking to the sensibilities of a young audience.

Can I choose my seat when booking?

No, unfortunately it is not possible to choose your seat when booking for Contre-nature by Rachid Ouramdane. However, you can choose the category and we will allocate you the best seats in the chosen category!
Please note that tickets of the same category that are booked during the same purchase session, in the same booking order on our website are always assigned side by side. To be sure of this, make sure all of your tickets are in the same category and are included in your shopping cart at the time of purchase.
You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.
If there are no available adjacent seating arrangements, our customer service team will contact you before the booking is confirmed.

Is there a dress code at Chaillot National Dance Theatre?

There is no specific dress code at Chaillot National Dance Theatre, but proper attire is appreciated. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in business casual or chic attire.